By Mr. Phùng Xuân Minh – Chairman of the Board, Saigon Ratings
International Integration: A Strategic Pillar in the New Era of Development
Throughout the nation’s development journey, international integration has become a strategic pillar, playing a vital role in shaping national standing, competitiveness, and overall strength.
Since the implementation of the (Renovation) reforms, Vietnam’s integration policy has continuously expanded in both breadth and depth. While integration was once primarily focused on economic openness, it has now evolved into a comprehensive and multidimensional process encompassing economics, politics, diplomacy, science and technology, security, and sustainable development.
As the world enters a period of profound restructuring, international integration is no longer merely a development option—it has become an essential condition for Vietnam to strengthen its internal capacity, expand its development space, and enhance its strategic position.
FTA Network: A Foundation for Expanding Growth Space
Nearly two decades after joining the World Trade Organization, Vietnam has established an extensive economic integration network through 17 free trade agreements (FTAs), connecting with most of the world’s major economic centers.
New-generation trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, European Union–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, United Kingdom–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership have not only expanded export markets but also created positive pressure for institutional reforms, improved governance standards, and enhanced competitiveness for Vietnamese enterprises.
This serves as an important foundation for Vietnam to participate more deeply in global value chains, particularly in high-tech industries, manufacturing, logistics, and financial services.
Amid global trade volatility, the FTA network acts as a “strategic buffer,” enabling the Vietnamese economy to maintain growth momentum and minimize risks from external shocks.
Strategic Diplomacy: Elevating National Standing
Alongside economic integration, Vietnam’s foreign affairs strategy is shifting significantly—from a mindset of “participation” to one of “creation and leadership.”
Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 195 countries and built a network of 15 comprehensive strategic partnerships, including most of the world’s leading economic and political powers.
This reflects the nation’s growing maturity and elevated international standing.
Deepening diplomatic relations not only expands cooperation in trade, investment, and technology but also contributes to building a peaceful and stable environment—an essential foundation for long-term growth.
In the context of increasing strategic competition among major powers, Vietnam’s ability to maintain strategic balance while promoting multilateralism and diversified international relations has become a distinct advantage.
Attracting International Investment: A Catalyst for the Next Growth Cycle
One of the most visible outcomes of international integration is Vietnam’s strong ability to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
Vietnam is increasingly becoming a strategic destination amid the global supply chain restructuring trend.
Its advantages—including political stability, a population of over 100 million, strategic geographic location, and a broad FTA network—have positioned the country as an emerging manufacturing hub in the region.
The growing presence of global corporations in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, logistics, digital technology, and infrastructure is opening a new cycle of high-quality growth for the economy.
This is a decisive factor in achieving the goal of double-digit economic growth in the coming period.
Economic Diplomacy: A Tool for Mobilizing Development Resources
Modern diplomacy is no longer limited to political relations; it is increasingly playing a direct role in mobilizing development resources.
High-level visits, multilateral forums, and strategic engagements are creating new cooperation opportunities in investment, digital transformation, green transformation, science and technology, and innovation.
Economic diplomacy is becoming an important bridge between national development strategies and global resources.
It is a mechanism that enables Vietnam to transform its position into resources and its relationships into tangible economic value.
Deep Integration to Serve the Goal of Double-Digit Growth
Entering a new stage of development, the goal of achieving double-digit economic growth requires stronger and more dynamic growth drivers.
In this context, international integration and strategic diplomacy must continue to play leading roles.
Vietnam needs to become more proactive in:
- Forecasting global economic trends
- Adapting to international changes and uncertainties
- Expanding high-tech cooperation
- Attracting high-quality capital flows
- Enhancing national competitiveness
- Maximizing the benefits of FTAs
If in the previous stage integration helped Vietnam “open its economy,” then in the next stage integration must become a direct driver of growth, economic upgrading, and national strengthening.
Conclusion: Integration Is the Fastest Path to Elevating the Nation
The development history of many nations shows that no economy can achieve rapid and sustainable growth while remaining outside the global flow.
For Vietnam, international integration is not only a development strategy but also a strategy for elevating national standing.
In this new era, integration must be positioned within the broader national strategy: serving growth, strengthening internal capacity, enhancing national standing, and shaping the future.
When integration is closely aligned with institutional reforms, technological development, and the improvement of human resource quality, Vietnam will have a solid foundation to enter a stronger, more sustainable, and higher-value growth cycle within the global economy.
Part 3 : A Historic opportunity – Vietnam’s self-reliance, self-strengthening, and confident march forward
Saigon Ratings [04-May-2026]
